Texas Supreme Court: Composition and History

A Historical Overview

The Constitution of the Republic of Texas, established in 1836, laid the foundation for the Texas Supreme Court. The court initially consisted of a chief justice and eight justices.

Modern Composition

Today, the Supreme Court of Texas comprises nine members: * Chief Justice * Eight Justices All nine positions are elected by the voters of Texas to six-year terms, with no term limits.

Function and Significance

The Supreme Court of Texas is the court of last resort for civil matters in the state. It has appellate jurisdiction over all civil cases, including appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies. The court's decisions are binding on all lower courts in the state. The Texas Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting state laws and safeguarding the rights of Texans. Its decisions shape public policy and impact a wide range of areas, such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Current Chief Justice

The current Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court is Nathan Hecht. He has served in this role since 2013.

Elected in 2021

In November 2021, Justice Brett Young was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Governor Greg Abbott. Justice Young was subsequently elected by the voters of Texas in November 2022.